A new study by the Women's Sports Foundation – "Thriving
Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls' Mental Health" –
reveals sport participation positively impacts depression, anxiety,
and more.
NEW YORK, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation
continues to grapple with a youth mental health crisis, the Women's
Sports Foundation (WSF) - one of the first organizations to
recognize the powerful connection between sports, equity, and
society - released its latest research today, shedding light on the
pivotal role of sports in fostering girls' positive mental health.
Titled "Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls'
Mental Health," the report underscores the power of sports - in
supportive and inclusive settings - to help lower depression and
anxiety, boost social connectedness, and inspire a greater sense of
meaning and purpose in girls who play, compared to girls who don't
or never played sports.
Findings from the report include:
Sports Participation Can Lower Depression and Anxiety
- Mental health disorders are 1.5 to 2.5 times
lower for girls who play sports vs those who never played.
- 29% of girls who never played sports have
moderate-to-high levels of depression symptoms vs. 17% of girls who
currently play.
- 21% of girls who never played sports have
moderate-to-high levels of anxiety symptoms vs. 11% of girls who
currently play.
Sports Participation Has Promotive and Protective
Benefits
- Girls who play sports report 1.5 times higher levels of
meaning and purpose compared to those who never played.
- In sport settings that focus on effort, improvement, and
teamwork, depression symptoms are significantly lower
(9.3%) vs. settings where winning is the main goal and
success is defined by ability compared to others
(24.7%.)
- In sport settings where girls have more "voice and choice" over
goals and activities, depression symptoms are significantly
lower (10.4%) vs. settings where they don't have that
opportunity (35.1%.)
"So many young people are struggling with mental health issues.
It's a prominent public health concern," said Dr. Claudia Reardon, Professor, Department of
Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of
Medicine and Public Health. "This new WSF research shows
that sports can play a powerful role in supporting girls' mental
well-being. Beyond physical activity, when girls play, they build
relationships with their peers, learn to work as a team, and so
much more. This data shows it can lower depression and anxiety and
provide fulfillment and meaning. We need to make sure that all
girls have access and opportunity to high quality, supportive
environments in which to play sports, so they can reap these
benefits."
WSF research has shown that 50 years after the passage of Title
IX, girls still have far fewer opportunities to play sports
today than boys. This latest report further bolsters the need for
equity in sports. More than a 'nice to have,' it shows that sports
can be an impactful tool for promoting girls' mental health.
"The data in this report point to the potential of sport to be a
positive influence for girls' mental health, when it is done well,"
said William Massey, PhD, Associate
Professor, College of Health, Oregon State
University. "In light of this WSF report, and other research
in the field, it is clear that girls need more access and
opportunities to participate in sport. This data also illuminates
the vital role coaches play in creating sport settings that
optimize girls' mental health."
WSF's new research report not only sheds light on the positive
effects of sports participation on young girls' mental well-being,
but also underscores the urgency of prioritizing mental health
support within the sports community. As the mental health crisis
among youth remains a pressing concern, this research serves as a
crucial reminder of the transformative power of sports to empower
girls to thrive.
"Thriving Through Sports joins our rich legacy of WSF research
that examines vital issues and influences that can impact, or be
impacted by, girls' and women's access to sports," said WSF CEO,
Danette Leighton. "The ongoing
mental health crisis in society - across all ages, and especially
for youth - is a profound challenge that calls all of us to take
action. Our data provides hope that sports, when done right, gives
girls a tool for supporting their mental health. When we help girls
thrive, we all win."
This year marks the 50th anniversary of WSF, which has been
changing the game through its evidence-based research, advocacy,
and community programming, to enable girls and women to reach their
potential in sport and life.
The full report is available on WSF's website and includes
detailed insights and actionable recommendations for promoting
girls' mental health through sports.
"Thriving Through Sport" was generously funded by the Kozmetsky
Family Foundation, a Dallas-based
foundation that is committed to sparking meaningful impact through
grants for basic needs, education, and health, with special
emphasis given to veterans, women, and children. Additional support
was provided by the Advancing Girls Fund, a fund of the Tides
Foundation.
About the Women's Sports Foundation
The Women's Sports
Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their
potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate, and a
catalyst. Founded by Billie Jean
King in 1974, we are one of the first organizations
to recognize the powerful connection between sports access, equity,
and society. WSF has been changing the game for 50 years through
its research, advocacy, and community programming, investing over
$100 million to help girls and women
play, compete, and lead – in sports and beyond – without barriers.
A leader and champion of the entire women's sports ecosystem, WSF
amplifies the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when
girls and women play sports. All girls. All women. All
sports® To learn more about the Women's Sports
Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
Media Contacts:
Patty
Bifulco
Women's Sports Foundation
631.230.3322
PBifulco@WomensSportsFoundation.org
Kandice Miller
Women's Sports Foundation
479.409.7779
KMiller@WomensSportsFoundation.org
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SOURCE WOMEN'S SPORTS FOUNDATION